Johnson Beharry

Regular readers may recall my previous encounter carrying participants in Reserve Forces Day in Sydney. This lead to contact by an organiser who has recently advised of a special guest for Reserve Forces Day, July 2007. He is Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, a young UK recipient of the Victoria Cross for actions in south east Iraq.

Beharry, 27, who was twice injured saving colleagues under enemy fire, is the first recipient of the UK's highest valour award since the Falklands War. A book on Beharry’s life is called Bare Foot Soldier covering his journey from Grenada to Buckingham Palace.

Reserve Forces Day are seeking funds to sponsor Beharry’s visit and need immediate donation pledges to secure air tickets, totalling around $5000. Anyone wishing to contribute to Beharry’s visit can contact Reserve Forces Day secretary, Ron Richards at patronrich@bigpond.com.

Johnson Beharry, humblehero, "...I think my job is based on helping other people".